Lighthouse Point Park

Park gates are generally open from 7 a.m. to sunset year-round. Summer vehicle-gate and beach operations may run later under current City schedules, while the carousel, concessions, lifeguards, and splash pad use separate seasonal hours.

During summer, parking is free for New Haven-registered vehicles, $25 per day for nonresident Connecticut vehicles, and $30 per day for out-of-state vehicles. Current 2026 stickers are issued at the front gate, and weather can close the gate.

Yes. The freshwater splash pad is near the beach beside the bathhouse. It operates seasonally and can be affected by weather or maintenance; rules are posted at its entrance.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the historic carousel normally runs Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from noon to 4 p.m., about every 20 minutes. Rides cost 50 cents, and park vehicle fees still apply.

Yes. The City states that the restrooms and bathhouse are accessible. They are close to the beach and splash-pad area, and seasonal operations may affect availability.

Yes. A beach wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The bathhouse and restrooms are accessible; contact park staff before traveling if the chair or a specific accommodation is essential.

New Haven-registered vehicles enter without a summer parking charge. Other Connecticut vehicles pay $25 per day and out-of-state vehicles $30 per day; carousel rides, boat-launch passes, pavilions, and rentals are separate.

Yes. The beach destination includes playground areas near the splash pad, bathhouse, carousel, and picnic facilities. Summer 2026 access is listed daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, while the beach may remain open later under current City notice.

Use the staffed front gate for summer vehicle entry, parking stickers, beach access, carousel, splash pad, playground, bathhouse, and lighthouse grounds. In 2026, vehicle and vessel stickers are distributed only at this gate.

Yes. The City states that the gate may close during inclement weather, and extreme heat can cancel outdoor programs even while the beach and splash pad remain open. Check the Parks Department notice that day.

The Harbor and Pagoda pavilions provide the park's main covered gathering spaces, but they are heavily reserved on summer weekends. Trees provide intermittent shade away from the beach, while the sand, splash pad, carousel approaches, and shoreline are exposed. Pavilions are not severe-weather shelters; leave the beach and use a substantial building or vehicle if lightning, dangerous wind, or an evacuation warning develops.

Paved park roads and developed walks connect parking, the accessible bathhouse and restrooms, carousel pavilion, pavilions, splash pad, beach approaches, and boat-launch area. Beyond those routes, visitors encounter lawn, sand, coastal gravel, roots, and uneven shoreline terrain; the lighthouse itself has a historic 74-step interior stair and is not a step-free destination. A beach wheelchair is available first come, first served during operating periods, and the fully accessible Carousel Pavilion is the strongest developed destination for guests with physical disabilities.

Lighthouse Point Park is not listed by New Haven as an off-leash dog park, and the City's official visitor page does not promise pet access to the guarded beach, splash pad, carousel, or bathhouse. Keep any dog permitted by current entrance signs leashed and controlled, remove waste, and stay out of signed swimming and facility areas. For guaranteed off-leash use, choose New Haven's separately designated East Rock Dog Park.

For a family gathering near the splash pad, reserve the Pagoda Pavilion in the center of the park. It holds about 50-60 people and includes eight picnic tables, two grills, electricity, and seasonal public bathrooms from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The resident permit is $100 and nonresident permit is $200, plus the applicable nonrefundable application fee. Tents, bounce houses, DJs, and amplified music are prohibited, and catered events need special permission.

CTtransit Route 206 and its seasonal G-pattern trips connect downtown New Haven with the Lighthouse Point Park entrance, with weekend service shown separately. Confirm the day and return trip before leaving because service is not equally frequent in every season, and the entrance stop still requires a walk to the beach, carousel, splash pad, or pavilion.